Executive of the Year Award Luncheon

Thursday, April 12, 2018
11:30am to 1:30pm

About the event

Terri KellyPresident and CEOW. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Biographical Statement:Terri Kelly is President and CEO of W. L. Gore & Associates, a multi-billion dollar enterprise that employs approximately 10,000 associates in 45 plants around the world. Gore specializes in fluoropolymer-based materials that are utilized in a wide array of high-value products, including GORE-TEX® fabric, medical devices, filtration and venting products and many other advanced technology solutions. Gore is as well known for its management philosophy and culture, as for its multitude of innovative products.

Kelly joined Gore as an engineer in 1983 after graduating summa cum laude from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. In her early years with the company, she gained experience as a product specialist with the military fabrics business — a unit she eventually led — helping it grow from a small start-up venture into a leading producer of protective products for the global armed forces.

In 1998, Kelly became part of the leadership team for the global Fabrics Division. Prior to becoming the CEO, Kelly also served on the Enterprise Operations Committee working closely with the CEO and other leaders to help guide the strategic direction of the company.

Kelly’s leadership abilities have driven her success in a company known for its distinct culture in which associates become leaders based on their ability to gain the respect of their peers and to attract followers. Terri earned the title of president and CEO in 2005 — one of the few titles within the enterprise — following a peer-driven selection process.

In addition to her role at Gore, Kelly is on the Board of Directors for the Nemours Foundation — one of the nation’s leading children’s health care systems. She serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of Delaware. Kelly is a member of the Management Executives’ Society, G100, the International Women’s Forum, and serves on the Advisory Council for the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank. She resides in Delaware with her husband and four children.